Question for mini stock guys

[Bigbuck]

I know lots of you work with the 2300 Ford or 2500 or what ever you stroke them too!! Brother has 97 Mazda 2300, basically a ranger. Automatic trans. Motor took a dump, bought used 2500, supposedly from a 98 ford, same block right? No problem for about 6 months. Then starter selenoid took a dump. Replaced it with 98 2500 starter, all kinds of problems since. chewed up the starter gear. 2-3 times, finally flex plate also. Replaced plate and starter with 98 ranger stuff, (new) same deal. Now some people say the 97 Mazda flex plate is differant, starter is differant, then someone else says there not differant. Just bought new 97 Mazda 2300 plate, it definately looks identical to the 98 Ford 2500. Same with starter. He's reluctant to put it back together, any ideas??? Oh, MAYBE 10 thousandths end play in crank so thats not the problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[VeaseyRacing]

I am no expert on 4 cylinders, but from my instinct it sounds like they are made of different metals. LIke an alloy. See if they weigh the same from the new mazda from the ranger. And also make sure there clearance between the starter and flywheel are within spec. Get some extra shims and play with the clearance and alignment. Once you got that right it shouldn't ever break or even wear fast.

I just woke up and I may be totally retarded...

[Bigbuck]

I am no expert on 4 cylinders, but from my instinct it sounds like they are made of different metals. LIke an alloy. See if they weigh the same from the new mazda from the ranger. And also make sure there clearance between the starter and flywheel are within spec. Get some extra shims and play with the clearance and alignment. Once you got that right it shouldn't ever break or even wear fast.

I just woke up and I may be totally retarded...

Thanks, I'll check that out, especially the weight!!

[tunafan]

your problem is probly the wrong starter, ford is retarded when it comes to starters thet make 3 direrent starters that will all bolt onto the tranny buy the nose or teath depending on what starter get chewed up. Ford also has a history of changing flywheels depending on years

[Bigbuck]

Thanks everyone. new flexplate going on from a differant Supplier. Just looks better built. Plus local starter rebuilder put on a bigger gear, looks good, he said its time to try something differant. Time will tell!!! Thanks again.

[dd38]

Did you put the plate that goes between the engine and trans back on??? Where did you get the starter that gave you the first problem? I have run into this over the years and only way I solved the similar problem is to go to FORD and buy the OEM stuff (flywheel and starter, new. Not rebuilt). Costly, but fixed it every time. Stay away from discounted parts stores in this situation!

[Bigbuck]

Did you put the plate that goes between the engine and trans back on??? Where did you get the starter that gave you the first problem? I have run into this over the years and only way I solved the similar problem is to go to FORD and buy the OEM stuff (flywheel and starter, new. Not rebuilt). Costly, but fixed it every time. Stay away from discounted parts stores in this situation!

r
This too is what we were wondering. The new flexplate is on. It was bought at Napa, just looks better, and balanced as opposed to Discount Auto. Starter fron Parts depot, with a bigger gear put on by a local rebuilder, been doin this 20 yrs. We will see soon and let everyone know. Thanks again!!

[Bigbuck]

Update

As i promised, its been together about 2 weeks and no problems yet. Thanks guys.

[VeaseyRacing]

Glad you got it working!

[Bigbuck]

Glad you got it working!

Lets hope it will continue!